Thank you for the question on Exodus 3–11, “Does Exodus 3-11 begin the ancient Israelites civilization when God sent Moses back to Egypt from the desert?”
When I think about the word, civilization, the word civilization implies certain factors regarding a people group. The most important characteristics are territory, cities, government, religion, social structure, and culture.
If that definition is accepted as civilization, then Exodus 3–11 doesn’t fit that description. Moses laid the moral and social foundation for the Israelites. Joshua laid the physical foundation of the territory and cities for the Israelites that enable the Jews to develop a settled life in the Promised Land.
It is likely that the Israelites in Egypt had a degree of organization since they had Elders. Exodus 4 said this, “Moses and Aaron brought together all the elders of the Israelites, 30 and Aaron told them everything the LORD had said to Moses. He also performed the signs before the people, 31 and they believed. And when they heard that the LORD was concerned about them and had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshiped” (NIV).
Being enslaved in Egypt, they had no land of their own and limited understanding of the promised given by God to their forefathers. They were not a self-ruled people group. They were not able to develop their culture. Moses led the Israelites 40 years in the Wilderness. The missing components were land and cities for the people. Joshua enabled the people to have land and cities by conquering the Canaanites in the land.
One can suggest that the Israelites became highly organized people group with King David since David established a capitol and central place of worship for the Israelites. The height of the Israelites is seen through his son, King Solomon as described in I Kings 1–11.
Summary: Moses laid the moral and religious foundation for the Israelites, while Joshua enabled the Israelites to be rooted in the Promised Land so that they became a prosperous people group under King Solomon.
-Kingston